This replaces Stephen Neal with a player of a similar set of skills and age. Once Connolly comes back, he can return to being a great interior backup or take the job back. It also buys time for Marcus Cannon to heal and develop for one season. That is a good thing too. Posted by zbellino

I just got done watching some footage of Waters while he was a Chief and he was a strong run blocking guard. I didn't see how adept he was at pass blocking as they didn't show any of his skills in that area,anytime you can sign a 2 time All Pro at any position it can't be a bad thing. I wonder if the Patriots will try and bring Welch back to the P.S. too prepare a possible replacement for Koppen?

In Response to Re: Patriots add G Brian Waters : What? He has a sprained ankle, Wendell has been hurt and Ornberger blows/has a concussion. It has nothing to do with Connolly's performances. Connolly OUTPRFFORMED MANKINS LAST YEAR. FACT. Less sacks, more holds, and less penalties. Source is Sports Illustrated. PLease stop with this Connolly isn't the starter junk simply because he hurt his ankle on a kick off in preseason Game 3. This board has become unberable. Posted by RidingWithTheKing

He did. He didn't get blown up in Cleveland, Detroit or in the playoffs in those bad games WORSE than Mankins, that is for damn sure. Connolly had less penalties, sacks and had more holds than Mankins. Again, this is a fact. Facts hurt sometimes, Nick. Mankins is a mauler with a mean streak, but in more games last year, Connolly was actually a more consistent player at two different Guard spots.Posted by RidingWithTheKing

and did you grade each play?

Did Connolly actually win battles? Or did he blend in with the turf?

Because Mankins' actual ability to move the person across from him somewhere rather than just occupy space actually counts for something when you want to run a play in his direction rather than just have him try not to let the other guy blow up the play in the backfield

In Response to Re: Patriots add G Brian Waters : and did you grade each play? Did Connolly actually win battles? Or did he blend in with the turf? Because Mankins' actual ability to move the person across from him somewhere rather than just occupy space actually counts for something when you want to run a play in his direction rather than just have him try not to let the other guy blow up the play in the backfield Your ignorance here is pathetic.Posted by Artist-Frmrly-Knwn-As-NickC1188

I'm with you on this one Nick. I don't care about the numbers when comparing Mankins and Connolly. The offensive line improved immensely when Mankins returned. If they are so comparable why did the patriots go out and re-sign Mankins. They could've found a Connollyesqe player at a much cheaer price.